How to diagnose dementia? Dr. Sridhar Vaitheswaran 25 th October 2012

Syndrome of dementia Cognitive impairment – Memory – Language – Motor skills – Recognition – Executive function/organisational ability Impairment in Activities of Daily Living Present for at least 6 months

Assessments Establish syndrome Establish sub-type Rule out other conditions Risk assessment Assess for “behaviour that is challenging” Care needs assessment

Establish syndrome History Examination Further investigations – Neuropsychology – Functional assessment by OT

Establish subtype Dementia in Alzheimer’s disease Vascular dementia Mixed (Alzheimer’s + Vascular) dementia Dementia in Lewy Body Disease History Examination Investigations – Neuropsychology – Functional neuro- imaging

Exclude other conditions Delirium Depression Other organic conditions – Intra-cranial space occupying lesions – Metabolic disorders – Nutritional deficiencies History Examination Further investigations – Structural neuro-imaging (CT/MRI) – Blood tests